US4885579A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Device for the remote control of a videorecorder or a videoreceiver
Assignee: British Broadcasting Corp
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Filing: 1987-04-16
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Granted: 1989-12-05
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Expires: 2007-04-16
Abstract
Abstract A conventional video recorder comprises electromechanical components, electronic circuits and a control unit with which there are associated both front panel controls and a user remote control unit with a sensor to which signals can be sent from a hand-held remote control unit. In addition to these conventional features an off-air remote controller is provided. This is capable of decoding control signals associated with the television signal and includes an encoder which generates outputs which simulate those from the conventional user remote control unit.
Inventors
- 👤 Charles P. Sandbank
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 13:49
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04B; H04B1/00; H04B1/06; H04B1/16; H04B1/20; H04B1/205; H04N; H04N5/00; H04N5/76; H04N5/765; H04N5/78; H04N5/782; H04N7/00; H04N7/08; H04N7/087; H04N7/088; H04N7/0887
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
92 words
A video recorder including electromechanical components, an electronic circuit and a main control unit therefor, a first remote control unit responsive to user input signals to provide control signals to the main control unit and a second remote control unit responsive to received control signals accompanying a received television signal, to decode the received control signals and provide to the main control unit control signals which simulate those provided by the first remote control unit, whereby said first and second remote control units can act independently as parallel, alternative means of control.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
92 words
A video recorder including electromechanical components, an electronic circuit and a main control unit therefor, a first remote control unit responsive to user input signals to provide control signals to the main control unit and a second remote control unit responsive to received control signals accompanying a received television signal, to decode the received control signals and provide to the main control unit control signals which simulate those provided by the first remote control unit, whereby said first and second remote control units can act independently as parallel, alternative means of control.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
41 words
A video recorder according to claim 1, comprising an input device for receiving the control signals from the first remote control unit, and wherein the control signals provided by the second remote control unit are fed to the said input device.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
44 words
A video recorder according to claim 2, wherein the second remote control unit comprises a decoder for decoding the received control signals and an encoder for re-encoding the decoded signals as the control signals which match these provided by the first remote control unit.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
32 words
A video recorder according to claim 3, wherein the encoder is an infra-red or ultrasonic encoder for radiating control signals to a sensor forming the said input device of the video recorder.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
42 words
A video recorder according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second remote control unit is capable of providing any one of a number of different sets of control signals and comprises a selector device for selecting one such set.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
A video recorder according to claim 5, wherein the selector device comprises an interchangeable read-only memory device.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
67 words
A controller for use with a video recorder having an input device for receiving control signals from a hand-held remote control unit, comprising an aerial input, means for receiving and demodulating broadcast television signals, a decoder for decoding control signals in the demodulated signals, and an encoder for re-encoding the decoded signals in a form for controlling the video recorder by way of the said input device.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
67 words
A controller for use with a video recorder having an input device for receiving control signals from a hand-held remote control unit, comprising an aerial input, means for receiving and demodulating broadcast television signals, a decoder for decoding control signals in the demodulated signals, and an encoder for re-encoding the decoded signals in a form for controlling the video recorder by way of the said input device.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
26 words
A controller according to claim 7, comprising a buffer amplifier and an output for looping out the signal on the aerial input to the video recorder.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
32 words
A controller according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the encoder is an infra-red or ultrasonic encoder for radiating control signals to a sensor forming the said input device of the recorder.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
92 words
A television receiving apparatus including an electronic circuit and a main control unit therefor, a first remote control unit responsive to user input signals to provide control signals to the main control unit and a second remote control unit responsive to received control signals accompanying a received television signal, to decode the received control signals and provide to the main control unit control signals which simulate those provided by the first mentioned remote control unit, whereby said first and second remote control units can act independently as parallel, alternative means of control.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
92 words
A television receiving apparatus including an electronic circuit and a main control unit therefor, a first remote control unit responsive to user input signals to provide control signals to the main control unit and a second remote control unit responsive to received control signals accompanying a received television signal, to decode the received control signals and provide to the main control unit control signals which simulate those provided by the first mentioned remote control unit, whereby said first and second remote control units can act independently as parallel, alternative means of control.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1992-12-04 | 1993-06-05 | 1993-12-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-12-04 | 1997-06-05 | 1997-12-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-12-04 | 2001-06-05 | 2001-12-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |